---

Social Security (Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance) Amendment Regulations 2006

My Lords, I repeat what I have said, which strikes me as having some clarity—that if any jobseekers are shown to be disadvantaged by the eight-week time limit we shall consider extending the provision, and we shall keep the whole question of eight weeks under review. The figure of eight weeks was arrived at after very careful thought and research. I am saying not only that the eight-week limit is flexible but that we will share with noble Lords the analysis that has made the department decide that eight weeks is the correct period.